“To be right in that photograph”
As you will know, this morning, Iconic Images announced the sad passing of Terry O’Neill, who has died at the age of 81.
Bowie fans will be familiar with his work, not only through the recent Bowie by O’Neill book and the many times we have focused on his pictures here, but also through the myriad newspaper and music weekly spreads. For UK fans at least, these publications were always a very welcome first glimpse of each new Bowie project, particularly during the years from 1973 to 1976.
It's hard to imagine the impact of picture-led Bowie features once Bowie left the UK. Hungry for news and pictures of David's latest activities, fans would be particularly grateful for Terry’s beautiful pictures, and as David himself once said: “The great thing about Terry was that I was always guaranteed a centrespread in the papers after a photo session with him.”
One such item was the Melody Maker exclusive published in October 1974, partially pictured here. Sadly, this is among the sessions for which the original negatives have been lost…which is why we featured it. The picture of Terry bottom right in our montage was taken during that very session, captured for posterity by the BBC while filming Alan Yentob’s Cracked Actor.
David’s gratitude was reciprocated by Terry, as highlighted when he compiled the images for Bowie by O'Neill: “When I first started to collect all my images and contact sheets of David Bowie, I didn’t realize how many I had! That first phone call I received to work with Bowie resulted in a real partnership between us; I was lucky enough to get that call and smart enough to say yes. He was a one-of-a kind, always changing and a true genius. It gives me great pleasure to be able to share with the world the images I captured and my memories of working with this extraordinary artist. He has the most loyal fans I’ve ever come across and I truly hope this book brings them a lot of joy.”
We'll leave you with this morning's announcement.
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Terry O’Neill CBE, 30th July 1938 – 16th November 2019
It is with a heavy heart that Iconic Images announces the passing of Terry O’Neill, CBE.
Terry was a class act, quick witted and filled with charm. Anyone who was lucky enough to know or work with him can attest to his generosity and modesty. As one of the most iconic photographers of the last 60 years, his legendary pictures will forever remain imprinted in our memories as well as in our hearts and minds.
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#BOWIEbyONEILL #BowieAtTheMarquee #BowieDiamondDogs